Festivals are the very essence of life for the people of Rajasthan. Every season is marked with a series of fairs and festivals except the summer months when the blazing sun scorches the earth. With the arrival of the monsoons the festival season is unleashed. And the most important festival to herald the monsoons is the Teej – reflecting the magic of the rainy season.
Teej – Most Widely Celebrated Festival of Rajasthan
Teej Festival in Rajasthan
Teej is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Rajasthan. Swings, traditional songs and dancing are some of unique features of Teej celebrations in Rajasthan.
Teej Festival Attractions
Teej is essentially a women’s festival. At the time of Teej, women dress up like a newly wed. They wear green, red and yellow attires, decorate their hands and feet with fascinating mehndi designs.
Girls engaged to be married receive gifts from their future in-laws a day before the festival. The gift called shrinjhara derived from the word Shringar (adornment) consists of henna, lac bangles, a special dress of laharia (tie and dye fabric) and a sweet called ghewar.
Religious Significance of Teej
It is said that on Teej day goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years – making them a symbol of an ideal marriage. Invocation of Parvati’s blessings on this day results in continued marital bliss.
Teej Procession in Jaipur
Teej procession in Jaipur not just attracts visitors from India but also lures a large number of international tourists. High point of Teej procession is the magnificently decorated idol of Goddess Parvati which is kept on a palanquin and carried through walled city of jaipur.
Thousands of devotees throng the procession which is carried out for two consecutive days. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, caparisoned elephants, camels, bands, and dance groups form a part of the grand Teej procession.
Lots of Teej songs are sung when the procession moves further. Folk artists and performers enchant the crowd with their splendid performance. Some people even dress up like Gods and Goddesses and play various musical instruments.
